Chichagof Island, northernmost and second largest of Southeast Alaska’s Alexander’s Archipelago, is separated from the mainland by five-to eight-mile-wide Cross Sound, a reach of the Pacific Ocean which forms the northern entrance to the Inside Passage. The glaciers which gouged this waterway to depths of over 1,000 feet carved deep valleys in this mountainous island, letting the sea into long inlets which nearly divide it into multiple islands and make its coastline 742 miles long.

Cloaking this mountainous landmass is primordial rain forest of spruce, hemlock and cedar. Giant trees along the shore support bald eagles’ nests, which are up to a ton in size. Over 80 kinds of mosses hang from tree branches and thickly carpet the forest floor. Brown bears gorge themselves on huckleberries, salmonberries and more. Black tail deer find shelter and forage here.

We start our trip in the hamlet of Gustavus where the Annie Mae Lodge will be our hosts for the night. This three sister owned and operated lodge will give you a good taste of real Alaskan hospitality and the food is out of this world. Your guides will conduct a trip orientation after dinner.

The following morning we will meet at the Gustavus dock to board our charter boat for departure to Elfin Cove. The outbound charter trip is a scenic enjoyment in itself.

view from the deckElfin Cove is a small boardwalk community at the North end of Chichagof Island. Our accommodations in Elfin Cove will be at Tanaku Lodge where the views of the majestic Fair-weather mountain range are seen easily through wrap around windows. The lodge really creates an atmosphere that invites relaxation.

After we are settled in the lodge we head out to the dock to discuss safety and practice basic paddling strokes, we familiarize ourselves with our craft while cruising beside a rocky shore. We view starfish, barnacles, mussels and other intertidal life as we glide silently past and over them, which is exposed to the Pacific Ocean.

The next day on our way to the Inian Islands we explore narrow passes and bays among clusters of islands watching playful sea otters and shy harbor seals.

kayaksFor two days and nights we explore the Inian Islands. Steep rock cliffs and pinnacles bashed by the surf are interspersed with small sheltered coves and sandy beaches. Among these many small rocky islets are few people but much wildlife. We are likely to see/be accompanied by Orcas, humpback or minke whales, by sea otters feeding on shellfish and urchins, by sea lions moving in noisy groups, looking for salmon, and by shy harbor seals hauled out on rocks to sun themselves. At night we relax in the beautiful surroundings of the Hobbit Hole and savor salmon bakes and home baked delights.

On our final move we point our bows to Idaho Inlet. The paddle offers us a chance to explore remnants of an old fox farm. Almost invisible in the encroaching moss, it is a reminder of how wild this area remains.

The last two nights in the wilderness will be spent in Gull Cove. This magical little cove has a charming colony of sea otters. The accommodations are rustic with lots of local color.

Incorporated in 1987, our goal is to protect and preserve wilderness areas, to educate our guests about environmentally sound camping techniques, educate the public about the ecology of nature, to provide quality guided wilderness trips. M07994 is planned as a unique facilitator of travel, enjoyment, appreciation and...